Focus on sustainability: SMEs shape the future in Lower Austria

Focus on sustainability: SMEs shape the future in Lower Austria

In an exciting event that took place in Wieselburg as part of the "Bau.Energie.Wohnen" trade fair, the Chamber of Commerce Lower Austria (WKNÖ) presented practical approaches to help small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) become more environmentally friendly and sustainable. The event entitled "Ecologically. Sustainable. SME." offered numerous insights and important information for entrepreneurs who want to make their processes more sustainable.

The event not only presented the challenges, but also the opportunities that companies have to consider in today's world in order to remain competitive. WKNÖ-Vice President Christian Moser explained how important sustainable corporate management is for small and medium-sized companies, especially with regard to climate change and the need to think of future generations.

practical tips and inspiring examples

The event offered a platform on which companies were able to present their sustainable initiatives. Peter Lechner from the Lechner bakery in Marbach told how his company realized an environmentally friendly production through the use of photovoltaic systems, pellet heating and an innovative recycling system. He emphasized that sustainability should not only be a keyword, but must be lived in practice.

Another highlight was the appearance of the physicist and author Werner Gruber. He spoke about the importance of knowledge in the context of crises and referred to possible solutions, such as the lowering of speed limits, to act more environmentally friendly. "Every crisis is reinforced by a lack of knowledge," he said, which underlines the importance of education for environmental and climate protection.

The WKNÖ plans to focus on sustainability. From 2024, support for companies that want to implement sustainable solutions will be expanded. An important area is ecological operating advice, which can offer funding of up to 100 percent. In the past 2023 there were already 550 consultations that clearly show the need for such offers.

In addition, the Chamber of Commerce provides various free tools, such as the sustainability check and the climate portal, to support companies in creating their climate balance. These instruments can help entrepreneurs to evaluate their previous efforts to sustainability and to identify possible improvements.

from the Wolfpassing energy community, Leopold Schalhas presented the model how regional producers and customers can work together to reduce ecological footprint. Markus Bicker from Hafnetec also presented his sustainable hotel concept, which relies on hydropower and photovoltaics and thus ensures the entire energy supply of the house.

The key message of the event was unmistakable: sustainability requires concrete measures and can not only be used as a buzzword. "In order to combat climate change, we have to use our resources efficiently," emphasized Moser. This commitment of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce will reach many companies and encourage them to initiate sustainable steps that are of both economic and ecological importance. Further information on this topic can be found in a report on Stadtlandzeitung.com .